Discussions around Carmelo Anthony’s legacy in New York have gained traction inside Madison Square Garden.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, there is strong support within the Knicks organization to retire Anthony’s No. 7 jersey, and those conversations have continued in recent weeks.
The final decision will rest with team owner James Dolan, but the internal backing reflects Anthony’s standing in franchise history.
Anthony, who was officially enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, has publicly supported the idea. When asked about the possibility earlier this year, he responded, “Why not?” and added that he would “love to see that jersey hung up.”
The 10-time All-Star played seven seasons in New York, averaging 24.7 points per game while earning six All-Star selections. He also led the Knicks to three postseason trips, highlighted by a 54-win campaign in 2012–13 that remains their best season since 1997.
During that year, Anthony won the NBA scoring title, averaging 28.7 points per game and guiding the team to the second round of the playoffs.
His scoring ability and presence at Madison Square Garden provided the Knicks with a face of the franchise in an era when success had been scarce.
Anthony ranks seventh in franchise history in points and is widely regarded as one of the most prolific scorers to wear a Knicks uniform.
Currently, the Knicks have retired the jerseys of eight players and one coach. That group includes Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Patrick Ewing, and Red Holzman.
Ewing and Dick McGuire stand as precedents for Anthony, as both had their jerseys retired despite not winning a championship in New York.
Anthony last played for the Knicks during the 2016–17 season before continuing his career with Oklahoma City, Houston, Portland, and the Lakers. He retired in 2023.
